Journal

Riding into Spring!

Looking for an active weekend adventure on your gravel bike? 2026 is the perfect year to plan a gravel trip and turn a few days into an unforgettable cycling experience.

With GravelUp organized trips, enjoy gravel weekends and bikepacking tours across France and Europe, designed to combine sport, exploration, and immersion in nature. Discover the most scenic regions for gravel cycling: wild tracks, quiet secondary roads, and breathtaking landscapes.

Whether you’re drawn to rolling vineyards, mountainous trails, or coastal paths, each destination offers unique gravel terrain for riders of all levels. From the iconic plateaus of the Grands Causses to the forested Vosges, the rugged Basque Country, Brittany’s coastline, or the dramatic landscapes of southern France, your gravel adventure awaits.

Check out our top gravel trip ideas for 2026download our catalogue now!

May 1st : Champagne – vineyards and gentle hills

Kick off the season with a gravel weekend in Champagne, one of the most scenic and accessible regions for cycling in France.

Why choose Champagne for gravel?
Cycling here means riding through classified vineyards, rolling hills, and quiet country lanes. It’s perfect for a gravel weekend combining nature, heritage, and gastronomy.

This gravel trip in Champagne lets you:

  • Explore quiet vineyard lanes and secondary roads

  • Ride terrain suitable for beginners and casual cyclists

  • Discover a unique wine culture

  • Enjoy a social and friendly cycling experience

A perfect weekend getaway for combining sport, sightseeing, and the art of living in one of France’s most iconic regions.

Early May Weekend: 5 must-visit gravel destinations

For a spring long weekend, explore these top 5 gravel destinations in France:

1️⃣ Mont Ventoux – Legendary climbs for gravel riders
Ride around Mont Ventoux, famous for its panoramic views and challenging climbs. Ideal for a sporty gravel weekend with rolling roads and dramatic landscapes.

2️⃣ Grands Causses – Vast plateaus and wild nature
The Grands Causses are perfect for long-distance gravel, with open plateaus, gorges, and secret roads waiting to be explored.

3️⃣ Champagne – Vineyards and quiet lanes
Enjoy a relaxed gravel weekend through rolling vineyards, small hills, and picturesque villages. Perfect for a nature and heritage-focused gravel adventure.

4️⃣ Brittany – Coastal paths and hidden forests
Explore Brittany’s gravel trails along rugged coasts, dense forests, and secondary roads. Ideal for a gravel adventure by the sea.

5️⃣ Morvan – Hills, forests, and serene lakes
The Morvan Natural Park offers diverse gravel terrain with wooded hills, authentic villages, and peaceful lakes—a perfect nature-focused gravel escape.

Mid-May : a long french weekend !

Take advantage of a long spring weekend for an unforgettable gravel trip in France. Top destinations include:

1️⃣ Alpilles – Provence landscapes and rolling trails
Discover twisting trails among olive groves and quaint villages, perfect for a scenic gravel weekend in southern France.

2️⃣ Basque Country – Coastal rides and green mountains
Cycle between the Atlantic coast and lush hills, through forests and scenic valleys—a gravel adventure combining sea and mountains.

3️⃣ Vosges – Forests and peaceful trails
The Vosges Mountains offer deep forests, mountain lakes, and quiet roads—perfect for an authentic nature-focused gravel experience.

4️⃣ Grands Causses – Wild landscapes and hidden tracks
Explore the Grands Causses with its plateaus, gorges, and secret paths—a true destination for gravel enthusiasts seeking vast open spaces.

➡️ Discover our gravel trips and book your adventure now!

Summer Weekend: July 14 – Explore France and beyond

Summer is ideal for a long gravel weekend with warm weather and longer daylight hours. Explore these three amazing destinations:

1️⃣ Brittany – Coastal trails and secret forests
Ride along rugged coastlines, dense forests, and quiet country roads—perfect for a gravel adventure by the sea.

2️⃣ Switzerland – Alpine passes and scenic valleys
Switzerland offers exceptional gravel routes through alpine passes, lakes, and valleys—a sporty and immersive gravel experience.

3️⃣ Norway – Fjords and endless summer days
Head north to Norway for a unique gravel weekend. Fjords, forests, and endless roads make it a perfect destination for extended gravel adventures under the midnight sun.

Want more? discover our 2026 calendar.

Bannières lead magnet blog - mobile (1)

Journal

Riding into Spring!

Grab your gravel bike, the good weather is not far away! The days are getting longer which, coupled with the warm weather we’ve been having of late, means it's time to get planning your next adventure. And what better adventure to have than exploring some of Europe’s best gravel trails with us?

Alpilles - Adventurer 3
How to pack a bike for a bikepacking trip?

Packing a bike for bikepacking requires balance and strategy. Weight distribution, stability, comfort, tire pressure—discover expert advice to ride light and confidently on any terrain.

pack bike